It’s time for the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences to really mix things up.

These are not predictions — we have no idea who will win.

But aren’t these picks awesome?

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1.1. Lead Actress in a Drama: Kerry Washington "Scandal" could be written off as lowbrow TV, a primetime soap opera, a guilty pleasure. But the ABC series captivates, and Kerry Washington is the main reason why. As "fixer" Olivia Pope, the actress deftly balances high-stakes drama (you're dealing with the President!) with high-stakes romance (again, the President!). Last year, Washington became the first African-American woman to be nominated in this category in 18 years. Now she could -- and should -- be the first to ever win in the ceremony's 66-year history. (ABC)

2.2. Variety Series: Has there ever been a better debut season of a late-night show than "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"? Sure, Fallon was already beloved on "Late Night," but filling the shoes of Jay Leno and Johnny Carson is no easy feat. The spotlight is brighter than ever, and the former "SNL" star keeps delighting with his unique, hilarious, and inventive brand of comedy-- hopefully for decades (and Emmy Awards) to come. (NBC)

3.3. Lead Actress in a Comedy: Taylor Schilling Taylor Schilling’s portrayal of waspy inmate Piper Chapman on "Orange is the New Black" doesn't offer the same kind of laugh-out-loud humor seen in past winners, but we would love for this breakout role -- and the actress' ability to pull off both one-liners and emotional depth -- to be celebrated with an Emmy. (Netflix)

4.4. Lead Actor in a Drama: Bryan Cranston Yes, he's won before. Yes, he's not the most exciting pick. Yes, Matthew McConaughey will probably win for "True Detective" because of the buzz around the show and his recent Oscar. But the final stretch of "Breaking Bad" was as heart-stopping and good as television gets, and it all revolved around Cranston's performance. He deserves to go out on top. (AMC)

5.5. Lead Actor in a Comedy: Ricky Gervais Ricky Gervais plays a care worker in a nursing home on “Derek” with the perfect amount of kindness and quirk, seriousness and silliness. Is his character the most comedic of those nominated for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series? Probably not, but his portrayal of and transformation for the role of Derek is certainly the best. (Netflix)